la casa è dove il cuore è

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Perhaps, it is because I am single or maybe this is true for married girls too but for me a having a housewarming party was super important. When you are single you don't get the benefit of a bridal shower, so setting up home can be a huge and expensive ordeal. When I lived in CA every time I moved I wished that someone would give me a housewarming gift. (I seem to recall getting a toaster from my parents but I think that was for Christmas, and a kind old man next door brought me half of a pie once.) It never really made sense to me that we (Americans) provide everything a married couple would need for setting up a home, but expect a single person to do it alone. (normally with 1/2 the income)

When I decided to move to Rome I kinda gave up hope of a housewarming because I figured most my friends would be in CA and that is a bit of a jaunt. But, part of me still longed for the celebration of this wonderful new apartment. So, I threw myself a housewarming party in Rome and invited all my friends. Many came and we had a great night together.

But, maybe even more special (or at least equally special to me) was that one of my friends back in CA decided to throw me a long distance housewarming party. She sent out e-vites to all my girl friends inviting them to take part in my long distance housewarming party. All they had to do was browse through magazines or online and find something that they would like to give me for my new home, they would get the picture and some cash or check to her and she would make sure all the money and pictures got to me. So, the other day the money got deposited into my account, and the pictures and names of those who picked the pictures are being emailed to me today, and then I get to go shopping!!!

I decided to blog about this because I thought it was such a fantastic idea! It made my day that my friends back in CA wanted to be part of the celebration of my new home, and I think it would be splendid if this idea long distance or at home spread. Because setting up home can be a challenge for anyone, and yet it should be a joy. And having my friends here in Rome and in CA involved in the making of my new home makes it all the more special.

So, if you are reading this and you are one of the firends who has helped make my apartment home, Thank you!!! If you know someone who is just getting started out on their own, and are looking for a way to show them how much you love and support them, than I encourage you to steal this idea, even if they are miles away from you!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Friday, September 24, 2010

It is hard to believe, but today I went to the bank and got them to give me 3 checks (the transaction was done in Italian! By myself!) In an hour I will go to the Apartment Agency and give them the 3 checks and sign a pile of papers, and then I WILL HAVE AN APARTMENT!!!!!

I am so excited!
I am excited because I have not had my own place since May April 2008
I am excited because it is clear that this specific apartment is where God wants me to live
I am excited because of His perfect timing (as my mom pointed out, no time or money was wasted. I stayed Claire's and then at Brian and Sarah's till now, and today they returned.)
I am excited because I will have a HOME
I am excited because I have great friends here who have offered their services to help me get moved in and set up
I am excited because friends back in the US have been soooo supportive an some even want to help me get a few things to make it home!
I am really excited that I made it through this process in Italian on my own, a big step that would not have been possible a month ago, and proves that I am learning something!

Last friday I found maybe not the house of my dreams, but instead the house of my prayers. I moved to Rome just a bit more than two months ago and ever since have been searching for an apartment to call my home. On friday God finally provided the perfect place!

The appartment is sixty square meters and is located near Appiano train station. It is also only 2 or 3 minutes from a nice park with a beautiful sunset. The appartment has a nice large entry way, a good size livingroom with a nice window and good light. I love that the kitchen has all new furnishings, as does the rest of the place, but the kitchen is my favorite. Outside of the kitchen is a nice balcony, where I could drink coffee in the morning.Down the hallway there is the bedroom, which has a huge closet and 2 beds, which I will push together to make one. But what I really love about it is that there is a chandelier hanging above the bed.

The bathroom is fine, but nothing special. It does have a shower, which I like. And there is a washing machine. At first I thought I wanted an unfurnished apartment but now that I have found this place I am so relieved that I do not have to buy all of these things.

The living room even has a dinning room set, and a Hide-a-bed and a TV. I am very excited that I will get to move into the house of my prayers this week!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

This last month apt hunting has been to say the least discouraging. In fact on Monday I was so over it that I took myself on a long walk around the neighborhood. I ended up sitting in a park near in the rain crying out to God. Then as I walked back to the apt I have been borrowing I began to see signs for apt for rent. And I realized how much I would love to live near that park. I jotted down some numbers and returned to the apt a bit ore hopeful than earlier in the day.

When I thought about calling all those apt owners in my not so fantastic Italian I got intimidated and gave up. Then this morning I turned on my computer and discovered an email from an apt agency suggesting an apt in the area I had been looking, in my price range, and it even said they wanted a non Italian to rent it!

During my 15 min break at school my phone rang, and I answered and spoke with the Realtor who spoke English! And by the end of my 15 min break, I he had scheduled an apt for me to look at the apt with the Landlady tomorrow at 3:30!

Please be praying that this is the right apt. That it truly is the gift that it feels like.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

This one is not far from where I have been staying, it is within my price range, and is completely unfurnished. Have I mentioned to you that it is next to impossible to find an empty apt. for rent here. Most come completely furnished with Grandma like or 1980's like decor. Lovely.

So, the fact that is is nearby, and empty are big pluses. It also has a balcony and is close to many buses! Something I had not given much thought to until arriving in Rome.